Dr.
Mehta: It’s a privilege to work with 114 years old Industry
body, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) established in 1905 and
having operations in more than 16 states of India with an International office
at Bahrain to look after GCC countries. My area of work has been
Infrastructure, Real Estate, Energy, Renewable Energy, Hydrocarbons, MSME,
Water and Solid Waste Management, Environment and logistics. With over three
decades of experience in leadership roles spread across various sectors I am
handling Industry Chamber relations and working closely with both Industry
leaders, Policy Makers and other stakeholders. Foremost role is to ensure the
Industry’s prosperity by collectively directing the Chambers’ affairs, whilst
meeting the appropriate interests of its members and stakeholders.

EO:
The interim budget has allocated Rs 3,004.90 crore for development of solar
power projects next financial year (2019-20) including both grid-interactive
and off-grid and decentralized categories. What do you have to say about this?

Dr.
Mehta: Renewable energy has been a central pillar in
government’s strategy to achieve power for all and India’s commitment towards
clean energy to safeguard our environment. Electric vehicles and rooftop solar
plants are going to provide the much-needed respite to the deteriorating
environment in our urban areas. We look forward to some equally concrete steps
from state governments for promotion of rooftop solar and electric vehicles so
that every common person starts adopting these life-transitioning technologies.
Solar sector is facing tough competition from china and banks are reluctant to
fund the solar panel manufacturers. Therefore, Industry expects some reasonable
financing options for solar sector including utilization of National Clean
Energy Fund (NCEF) for the promotion of solar energy in India. The amount of Rs
3004.9 crore allocated in the interim budget doesn’t seem to be sufficient
unless greater focus is given in full budget once the new government is formed.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Prinicpal Director, PHDCCI

EO:
World Bank approves INR 11,000 CR for improving safety of hydropower dams. Do
you think it will help India to achieve its target of 5 GW of Hydro Power?

Dr.
Mehta: Yes this is a good step. World Bank has approved Rs 11,000 crore under
the ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP), for improving
the safety and operational performance of 733 large dams across 18 states over
the next 10 years. This amount is to be
used for maintenance and emergency action plans, and also to be used for
revenue generation at dams through tourism, fisheries, water recreations and
solar and hydropower. But our hydro sector and more specifically, small hydro
sector that you have mentioned, has different set of challenges such as
clearance and approval procedures, land acquisition, rehabilitation &
resettlement of affected people, environment and forest clearances, interstate
disputes and law & order issues also come up sometimes. While geology,
hydrology and topography issues are some of the leading reasons for slippage of
hydro projects, local issues have also resulted in significant delays in
project commissioning of the small hydro projects. But this target of 5GW small
hydro by 2022 is achievable, once these issues are ironed out by center and state government as per their
jurisdiction.

EO:
India Argentina sign MoU on Nuclear Energy Cooperation.” What are the
advantages of Nuclear Energy? Is Nuclear Energy cheaper than Solar?

Dr.
Mehta: Certainly it’s a good news that India and Argentina signed MoUs during the ongoing three-day visit of the
Argentine President Mauricio Macri on 18th Feb 2019 to boost
cooperation in the sector of nuclear energy. We believe that nuclear power has
enough positives and, is one of the most low-carbon energy sources. It is
essential, to our response to climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions. Not
only this we should also have a good energy mix in our total energy basket.

Nuclear power is not cheaper
than solar as of today due to considerable investment to build nuclear power
stations, they have low running costs and longevity – meaning they are
particularly cost effective in the long run. Most of the carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions associated with nuclear power stations is happen during construction
and fuel processing, not when electricity is being generated. Technological
innovation seems to make everything — including solar panels — cheaper. Then we
believe that the time will come when there will be hardly any difference
between nuclear power and solar power.

EO:
Small renewable energy companies to
benefit from reduction of income tax to 25% for MSMEs. What is PHDCCI doing to
help Startups which are mainly working in Renewable Energy Industry?

Dr.
Mehta: The government had reduced the corporate tax to 25% from
30% in the Union Budget of 2017-18 for companies with a turnover of Rs 250
crore during 2016-17. Certainly this measure has benefitted 99% of the
companies because most companies fall under this category. It gave huge
advantage to MSMEs.

PHD chamber has been at the
forefront of promoting and supporting startups in many ways. We believe that
innovative ideas by start-ups play a crucial role in boosting the economy and
the industry. We always encourage people who come up with simpler but innovative
ideas giving unique solutions. Our Uttrakhand chapter of PHD Chamber has
entered into a partnership with Uttarakhand Government to build an incubation
and angel network system to nurture start-ups and young entrepreneurs who are
coming up with varied business models. We are not working particularly on
renewable energy sector for startups but any sector which offers workable and
commercially viable solutions.

EO:
How do you see India Renewable Energy plan will contribute to Indian economy?

Dr.
Mehta: As India looks to meet its energy demand on its own,
which is expected to reach 15,820 TWh by 2040, renewable energy is set to play
an important role. By 2022, India is targeting the installation of 175GW of
renewable energy capacity, an ambitious target that will require a four-fold
growth in the sector. The huge demand push from government though its programs,
reverse auctions and lowering costs of turbines and solar panels have
contributed to significant reduction in price of electricity generated from
renewable. All this will require installations of rooftop solar, Local
Manufacturing, Financial support for Deployment and Integration of Renewable
Energy into the Grid, Energy Storage etc.

As of October 2018, total renewable power installed capacity (excluding large hydro) in the country stood at 73.35 GW. Off-grid renewable power capacity has also increased. With a potential capacity of 363 gigawatts (GW) and with policies focused on the renewable energy sector, Northern India is expected to become the hub for renewable energy in India. As per DIPP – FDI inflows in the Indian non-conventional energy sector between April 2000 and June 2018 stood at US$ 6.84 billion. More than US$ 42 billion has been invested in India’s renewable energy sector since 2014. In the first half of 2018, investments in clean energy in India reached US$ 7.4 billion.

EO:
Fixed cost for generating Solar Electricity is still on higher side. What do
you have to say about this?

Dr.
Mehta: I think it’s almost at par with fossil fuels. And with
the innovations in this sector and more positive disruption in solar Industry,
the cost will come down further. Time is not too far when renewable energy will
be cheaper than fossil fuel.

EO: Anything else you
would like to add for your readers.

Dr.
Mehta: The World Energy Forum has predicted that fossil-based
oil, coal and gas reserves will be exhausted in less than another 10 decades.
Fossil fuels account for over 79% of the primary energy consumed in the world,
and 57.7% of that amount is used in the transport sector and are diminishing
rapidly. Renewable energy offers a huge opportunity to reduce carbon emissions,
clean the air, and put our globe a more sustainable footing. It also offers
countries around the world the chance to improve their energy security and spur
economic development.

The Indian renewable energy
sector is the fourth most attractive1 renewable energy market in the world. As
of October 2018, India ranked 5th in installed renewable energy capacity. India
has tremendous energy needs and an increasing difficulty in meeting those needs
through traditional means of power generation.

I would like to quote from a study produced by the University of Technology (LUT) in Finland that India has the capacity to operate entirely on renewables by 2050. The study titled The Demand for Storage Technologies in Energy Transition Pathways Towards 100% Renewable Energy for India, it details how increasing solar, wind and storage capacities would allow India to transition from its fossil fuel-heavy energy mix to a clean and sustainable alternative. Energy security, economic growth and environment protection are the national energy policy drivers of India and to conclude, there is a great potential for renewable energy in India. (Views expressed in this interview are personal.)

About PHDCCI:

About Dr. Ranjeet Mehta:

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta is a University Gold Medalist & Ph. D. in Management, Fellow, International
Visitors Leadership Program of US Government & a Law Graduate with over three
decades of experience in leadership roles spread across various
sectors. Currently,
in a Thought leadership profile, handling Industry Chamber relations and
working closely with both Industry leaders and Policy Makers as aPrincipalDirector at PHD Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.

Dr. Mehta has represented Indian Industry in
many Government and Parliamentary Committees and has been instrumental in
addressing various policy-related issues in Infrastructure, Real Estate, Power,
Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas, Water and Logistic Sectors. He has also written extensively on important
matters concerning trade, commerce, and Industry. His publications include six
books, more than 45 research papers, and articles in many Journals of repute,
Leading National and International Magazines and Newspapers like Hindustan
Times, Times of India and Financial Express. He is also a frequent speaker in
Electronic and Print Media including participating in International Forums.

]]>http://energyoutlook.net/?feed=rss2&p=380REC Group reacts to Hanwha Q-Cells press release raising patent infringement complaintshttp://energyoutlook.net/?p=29
http://energyoutlook.net/?p=29#respondWed, 17 Apr 2019 10:49:19 +0000http://energyoutlook.net/?p=29REC Group has learned from media reports circulating since March 5, 2019, that Hanwha Q-Cells has filed lawsuits against REC Group in the U.S. and in Germany based on alleged patent infringement and has approached REC’s customers around the world with these accusations.

A preliminary investigation with Germany’s regional
Dusseldorf court (the “Court”) on March 6, 2019 reveals that court fees have
not been paid by Hanwha Q-Cells. Therefore, the action has not officially
commenced in Germany. As the Court has not served the action, REC Group is
unable to examine the alleged claims.

As an innovative company which owns intellectual property
rights, REC Group fully respects and will respect intellectual property rights
and takes these allegations very seriously. REC Group is investigating the
matter and working closely with its legal counsel, and will take all necessary
steps to rigorously defend itself, its customers and its partners.

In accordance with REC Group’s high standards for customer
service, the company will keep their customers and partners apprised of the
development as appropriate. REC Group is well known for its innovations during
its 23-year history. Indeed in 2014, REC Group was the first tier 1
manufacturer to introduce half-cut cells with backside passivation for mass
production. REC Group’s solar panels are widely recognized for their unique
product offering worldwide.

It will be business as usual for REC Group and the company
will continue to provide REC customers with high quality products and timely
delivery.

About REC Group:

Founded in Norway in 1996, REC Group is a leading vertically
integrated solar energy company. Through integrated manufacturing from silicon
to wafers, cells, high-quality panels and extending to solar solutions, REC
Group provides the world with a reliable source of clean energy. REC’s renowned
product quality is supported by the lowest warranty claims rate in the
industry. REC Group is a Bluestar Elkem company with headquarters in Norway and
operational headquarters in Singapore. REC Group employs 2,000 people
worldwide, producing 1.5 GW of solar panels annually.

]]>http://energyoutlook.net/?feed=rss2&p=290Bridging the gap between Academic and Industrial Research in Power Sectorhttp://energyoutlook.net/?p=9
http://energyoutlook.net/?p=9#respondTue, 16 Apr 2019 10:58:01 +0000http://energyoutlook.net/?p=9Power
Sector is one of the most critical components of infrastructure and crucial for
welfare of the people. The Government of India’s focus on attaining ‘Power for
all’ has accelerated capacity addition in the country. The ‘Clean Energy’
initiatives in the country has been increasing with the increased awareness of
global warming and climate change. It is not only necessary to ensure that the
state-of-the-art technology is utilized but also the appropriate technology is continuously
developed keeping in view the social operating conditions in the country.

Research and Development is one
of the most important drivers of economic growth and stability, steering social
prosperity. Broadly, the research activities in our country can be classified
into two major categories: a) Basic Research carried out in Academia b) Applied
Research carried out in the Industry. Basic research aims to investigate and
improve upon existing scientific theories and is mostly confined to Academic
Institutions. While on the other hand applied research, where established
scientific theories are used to develop technology or techniques to overcome a
day-to-day problems, is mostly perused in the Industry. The cost of research
being prohibitively high it is necessary that the state-of-the art technology
evolved world-wide is harnessed and a steady information flow from Academia to
Industry is manifested. The current paradigms in R&D have laid strong
emphasis on this multi-disciplinary and interactive knowledge creation. A right
blend of academic and industrial knowhow will result in a favourable
environment to achieve identified research goals in the most efficient cost
effective manner. New technology and techniques developed out of applied
research may result in cost reduction and increasing efficiency can act as
catalysts for a set of new goods and services that could improve the economy
and increase employment.

The Government of India is
promoting Research and Development for the Indian power sector through Central Power
Research Institute (CPRI). CPRI plays a very crucial role in channelizing the
Academic Knowhow to Industrial usage by taking up research topics of current
interest related to technology development, evaluation studies and process
improvement, in a collaborative nature involving Utility, Industry, Academia
and Research Organizations. The Ministry of Power provides funding support to
Academic Institutes, R&D Organizations, Utilities and Manufacturers for
taking up R&D projects of National Interest through the following two
schemes co-ordinated by CPRI:

R&D under National
Perspective Plan (NPP)

The R&D under NPP is for the
benefit of Indian manufacturers, power utilities and academia as this scheme
provides a platform for Industry and Academia to interact and take up research
projects in a collaborative mode. It is mandatory that manufacturers and power
utilities have to bear 50% of the total approved project outlay.

R&D under NPP has the
following objectives:

To promote innovation by sharing the expertise
and experience

To forge industry-institute cooperation

To strengthen the National Innovation Capability

To strengthen R&D infrastructure

To develop and sustain manpower for R&D in
the power sector

The projects proposed under this
scheme are focused on development of New Product / Process development leading
to field implementation and help to bridge the technology gaps in various
subsections of power sector (Generation, Transmission & Distribution). The
Research Areas and topics are identified and prioritized in the National
Perspective Plan. The R&D work not only combines the Academic Intellect
with Industrial Experience but also takes advantage of the advances in IT,
electronics and communication to improve the existing technologies. These
projects aim at design and development of indigenous technologies with the
objective of cost reduction, import substitution and employment generation.

Research Scheme on Power
(RSoP)

The Research Scheme on Power
(RSoP) was initiated by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in 1961 to support research
& development projects in all relevant areas of power sector by central and
state utilities, quasi-government organizations, academic and research
institutions and other related organizations in the country. The scheme has
been funded by MoP from its planned grants. Under this scheme 100% funding is
provided by MoP for academic and government promoted research institutes. Research
projects which are pertinent to the power sector are taken up by the Utilities
and funded under the RSOP scheme to enable them to address mainly local
specific operational issues. In certain cases where theoretical studies are
involved, the Utilities collaborate with R&D and academic institutions and
take up projects. The Academic institutes also propose small scale projects
under the RSoP scheme for proof of concept or small scale product development.

The Technical Committees of
CPRI consisting of dignitaries and Domain Experts from Academia and Industry
continuously monitor the progress of the projects and steer the projects to
successful completion, suggesting necessary course correction if required.

In-House Research and
Development (IHRD)

Apart for the above schemes the
Government of India encourages research on some of the niche areas for the
Indian Power Sector like augmentation of research and testing facilities,
evolution of new techniques in testing, diagnostic methods, research studies,
product/process improvements, improvements in product standardization etc.
under the In-House Research and Development Scheme (IHRD). This scheme is
exclusively for CPRI Scientists and Engineers. By coming up with innovative
solutions along with proper documentation of findings and knowledge
dissemination, CPRI has created valuable institutional knowledge that is
readily available to Academia and Industry for ready reference.

CPRI is also responsible in
selection of projects, obtaining and release of funds from the Government and
monitoring of the projects under Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) and Impacting
Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) scheme of Ministry of Human
Resource Development (MHRD). Under the
IMPRINT programme ten important domains that impact the living standards of
people at large have been identified and premier Institutions like IISc and
IIT’s are requested by MHRD and Department of Science and Technology (DST) to
gear up for inter disciplinary research in these domains. The Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana has been
approved as an initiative to promote innovation with the aim to meet the needs
of the industry and thereby, improve the competitive edge of Indian
Manufacturing. Under this scheme the IITs have partnered with Industry for research
projects that would result in innovative solutions for their problems.

Over the years both the
schemes have been successful in developing technologies like fault current
limiters based on high temperature superconductivity, Dynamic Voltage Regulator
for Industry, STATCOM for IT Parks and carry out research on development of
technologies like fuel cells, electric double layer super capacitors, solid
state transformers. In its pursuit of excellence, CPRI is continuously making
efforts through the existing research schemes to create a conducive ecosystem
to bridge the gap of Academic and Industrial Research in Power Sector to cope
up with the fast pace of innovation in today’s world.

Author Profile

This article was contributed by Shri A. Chakraborty and Shri R.A. Deshpande of R&D Management Division of Central Power Research Institute.

Institute
Profile

Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) was established by
the Government of India in 1960 with headquarters in Bangalore. The Institute
was re-organized into an autonomous Society in the year 1978 under the aegis of
the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The main objective of setting up
the Institute is to serve as a national Level laboratory for undertaking
applied research in electrical power engineering besides functioning as an
independent national testing and certification authority for electrical
equipment and components to ensure reliability in power systems and to innovate
and develop new products.

]]>http://energyoutlook.net/?feed=rss2&p=90JinkoSolar Refutes Allegations Made by Hanwha Q Cellshttp://energyoutlook.net/?p=26
http://energyoutlook.net/?p=26#respondMon, 01 Apr 2019 10:39:45 +0000http://energyoutlook.net/?p=26JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar” or the
“Company”) (NYSE: JKS), a reputable solar module manufacture in the
world, today announced that according to media reports, Hanwha Q Cells this
week filed actions against Jinko in the US ITC, US District Court of Delaware,
and Germany’s regional Düsseldorf court. The actions follow the rapid growth of
solar energy in the US and German markets where Jinko has been successful.

Based on Jinko’s preliminary analysis of Hanwha’s complaints and
the asserted patents, the Company believes that the complaints are without
technical or legal merit. Jinko, therefore, categorically refutes Hanwha’s
allegations.

Jinko is working closely with its legal counsel and technical
advisors to vigorously defend against the claims made by Hanwha. The company is
considering all legal avenues available, including petitioning for the
invalidity of Hanwha’s alleged patents. Jinko looks forward to prevailing in
court. Jinko fully respects intellectual property rights and encourages healthy
competition, but it will take legal action to defend itself, its clients, and
its partners.

Jinko does not expect any disruption to its normal operations
arising from this matter. JinkoSolar has been allocating substantial resources
to R&D over many years, and has broken world records for cell efficiency.
Jinko will strive to maintain its market leadership in solar module supply to
the US and EU markets, providing its customers with high quality products and
timely delivery.

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the world’s largest and
foremost solar module manufacturers. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products
and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility,
commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan,
Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the
United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and
regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value
chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 9.2 GW for silicon wafers, 6.5 GW
for solar cells, and 10.0 GW for solar modules, as of September 30, 2018.